EESB03H3 Chapter 3: EESB03 Chapter 3 Temperature
8 Feb 2017
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Document Summary
Polar vortex: this is a common phenomenon often seen during winter. It comprises cold arctic air encircled by a high-altitude band of strong winds. Normally, the strong winds contain cold air at high latitudes, but when the wind shifts farther south than normal, they also allow the arctic air to move south, creating an arctic outbreak. Usually these last about a week before warmer air displaces them. Temperatures drop when air loses energy and rises when air gains it. This energy exchanged in the form of sensible heat. Daily and seasonal temperature variations are defining features of climate for an area and are key components of the atmospheric system. Temperature pattern affect the hydrosphere, changing the availability and form precipitation between solid and liquid, affecting the amount of moisture that is available for other systems. When temperature falls below freezing, water becomes part of the cryosphere, storing moisture for later use.
